Based on Israel's experience: Ukraine to build first residential complex with shelters in each apartment

NAnews – Israel News publishes a detailed overview of an initiative that combines Israeli experience with Ukrainian realities in the field of civil security. When a Safe Room Saves Lives: The Lesson of Bat Yam On June 15, 2025, an Iranian missile hit a residential building in Bat Yam, causing structural collapse and panic among civilians. Rescue workers broke through walls and doors to extract survivors from the rubble. Some victims were found dead. “This is an unprecedented event. We rescued people from under the rubble by breaking through walls and doors,” said representatives of the Israeli Home Front Command. The missile carried hundreds of kilograms of explosives. It destroyed everything — except the protected rooms, which became the only chance for survival. An Architectural Breakthrough Begins in Lviv Lviv is launching a unique project that could become a model for the entire country. A residential complex with individual shelters in every apartment is being developed by the Kyiv-based architectural firm Archimatika, based on the example of Israeli “mamad” safe rooms. “Five-second safety” — this is how the architects describe the idea. The shelters are located near apartment corridors, with reinforced concrete walls, impact-resistant doors, autonomous ventilation, and alarm systems. In peacetime, these spaces can be used as a regular room — a home office, closet, or storage area. Why This Matters for Ukraine According to the International Republican Institute, only 15% of Ukrainians go to shelters during air raids. The reasons are exhaustion, normalization of attacks, and lack of access to proper shelters. - Each apartment will have an individual protected zone. - The complex will also include a standard shelter with a medical unit, children’s room, and kitchen. - The project is being implemented in consultation with Ukraine’s State Emergency Service. “This is an adaptation of Israeli experience to Ukrainian conditions — the result of cooperation between architects, developers, and safety authorities,” — Oleksandr Stolovyi, Archimatika. Until Now: How Ukrainians Protected Themselves Before 2022, there was virtually no culture of building safe rooms in Ukraine. Key reasons included: - Lack of demand — war was long considered a hypothetical threat. - Soviet legacy — old bomb shelters were dilapidated and unsuitable. - No legal requirements — Ukrainian law did not mandate safe rooms in residential buildings. Where Ukrainians Take Shelter Today - Bathrooms and corridors - Basements and parking garages - Metro stations — used as overnight shelters - Improvised shelters — in schools, offices, and cafes According to IRI polls — only 15% of Ukrainians regularly go to shelters during air alerts. Israeli Experience: Lessons of War Like Ukraine, Israel lives under constant threat of rocket attacks. But mandatory installation of mamad safe rooms only began in 1992. Indicator Value Total number of apartments in Israel (2024) 2.96 million Apartments without mamads 1.67 million (56%) People without basic protection ~5.5 million Dangerous buildings ~5,000 Apartments without seismic protection ~610,000 Since the start of the “Iron Swords” operation, demand for protected housing has soared. Israel has simplified the process of installing mamads in older buildings. Quote from NAnews “While Israel is paying a high price for delayed safety measures, Ukraine is moving forward — learning from others' experience. Truly protected housing is not a luxury, but the foundation of civil resilience,” — editorial board of NAnews – Israel News. What the Ukrainian Project Includes - Individual shelters in every apartment - Central shelter — with medical unit, kitchen, and children’s space - Adaptation to Ukrainian conditions — based on Israeli standards “We studied the Israeli experience and consulted with relevant agencies. This is not just copying — it’s adaptation,” — Oleksandr Stolovyi. Final Conclusion In Lviv, a new architectural standard is emerging, where safety is not an afterthought but a structural foundation. It is a response to wartime threats and a gesture of solidarity with Israel. NAnews – Israel News will continue monitoring this project, which could reshape residential construction across Ukraine. https://nikk.agency/en/based-on-israels/